Method and apparatus for the detection of line shunt and ground faults

摘要

A system and method to detect ground faults in a multi-processor communication system that includes a communications link that extends between the processors. The processors isolate different sections of the link. Measurements made with different isolated sections establish the location of the fault. The processors can also make measurements of the link to establish the magnitude of a shunt impedance on the link. Where an abnormal value of shunt impedance is detected, the respective devices can activate or deactivate solid state isolation circuitry to disconnect a section of the link exhibiting the abnormal level of shunt impedance.